Debating the Impact of AI on Research: A New Lab Reignites Old Controversies

In recent days, the question of whether articles in scientific papers are authored by humans or machines has been a topic of growing interest among readers. The extent of this issue remains uncertain, as highlighted by a recent article in the Science & Technology section of the print edition titled "Scientists, et ai" from June 29th, 2024. The piece delves into the implications of small genetic mutations resulting from inbreeding, potentially rendering individuals more susceptible to diseases. Furthermore, a concerning new strain of mpox has emerged, prompting health officials to issue warnings about its potential spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, a notable development in the realm of artificial intelligence unfolded on June 19th, with the launch of Safe Superintelligence (SSI) by Ilya Sutskever, along with co-founders Daniel Gross and Daniel Levy. Despite the absence of concrete products, SSI aims to advance the creation of superhuman AI, following a period where Mr. Altman briefly assumed leadership. This intriguing venture was detailed in the Business section of the June 29th edition under the headline "Thinking fast and slow." Amidst global uncertainties, a trend of individuals seeking refuge in the Gulf region, regardless of neighboring conflicts, has emerged. Additionally, the involvement of major oil companies in the lithium sector has raised eyebrows, signaling a shift in focus towards alternative energy sources. The resurgence of container shipping has also captured attention, prompting questions about the sustainability of this boom. Lastly, the mysterious circumstances leading to a significant reduction in Kweichow Moutai's market value by $250 billion have left many puzzled, underscoring the complexities of the financial landscape.